Everett to head up Tourism Vancouver Island

An emotional Anthony Everett, chair of the 2015 Canada Winter Games, is consoled by Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond and Canada Games Council chair Tom Quinn during the closing press conference for the Games.

Former Northern BC Tourism Association CEO and chair of the 2015 Canada Winter Games Society Anthony Everett is headed to Vancouver Island.

Tourism Vancouver Island has named Everett as its new CEO, succeeding Dave Petryk, who will retire after 17 years of leading the regional tourism association.

Everett has been involved in tourism in British Columbia for 30+ years, starting his career at The Butchart Gardens in visitor services and then establishing Butchart Gardens’ Media Relations department. In 1999, he was recruited to Tourism Victoria to manage the Media Relations Department until 2003 when he joined the team at Tartan Public Relations as Account Director. In 2006, Anthony moved away from Vancouver Island to lead the Northern B.C. Tourism Association until 2015.

His departure from the Northern B.C. Tourism Association was not a smooth one. After being diagnosed with cancer, he took a medical leave from the association in 2014, but stayed on as chair of the 2015 Canada Winter Games.

He was set to return to work in September, 2015, months after the conclusion of the Games. Everett claimed he was offered a lesser job upon his return. Everett sued and the two parties eventually settled out of court.

Everett has been involved with the Myeloma Canada Board of Directors (June 2016 – present), the Canada Games Council Board (fall 2016 – present), go2HR (2012 – 2016), and as a Co-Chair of the 2015 Canada Winter Games Ambassador Program (2012 – 2015).

“I am humbled and excited to join the fabulous team at Tourism Vancouver Island and build on my friend, Dave’s legacy,” said Everett in a press release. “I am thrilled to return to Vancouver Island where I began my career and collaborate with communities, businesses, and residents to bring world-wide recognition to our unique travel destination.”

Everett will assume responsibilities on January 3, 2018 in the Tourism Vancouver Island office, located in Nanaimo.

Bill Phillips

Bill Phillips is an award-winning journalist and columnist with more than 30 years experience. He was the winner of the 2009 Best Editorial award at the British Columbia/Yukon Community Newspaper Association’s Ma Murray awards, in 2007 he won the association’s Best Columnist award. In 2004, he placed third in the Canadian Community Newspaper best columnist category and, in 2003, placed second. He is the former editor of the Prince George Free Press.